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ST. GEORGE, UTAH, August 16, 2010 — The fitness and wellness experts at Red Mountain Resort & Spa, which offers the most extensive hiking program in the Southwest, are working with national fitness expert Pam Peeke MD, MPH to prepare the U.S. Surgeon General for the walk of a lifetime. Dr. Regina Benjamin will be hiking the Grand Canyon, Rim-to-Rim, the week of September 5, representing a continuation of her Surgeon General's Walks for a Healthy and Fit Nation, launched in June at the American College of Sport's Medicine's (ACSM) annual meeting in Baltimore. Dr. Benjamin is the Honorary Chairman of ACSM's Exercise IS Medicine national campaign, emphasizing the need for Americans to integrate more physical activity into their daily lives.

The hike into America's greatest national park will highlight the importance of increased physical activity to overall health and well-being – a cornerstone of Dr. Benjamin's Healthy and Fit Nation 2010 campaign and a key philosophy of the team at Red Mountain. "Next month's Rim-to-Rim hike is all about living the vision of a Healthy and Fit Nation," said US Surgeon General, Dr. Benjamin. "Two-thirds of this nation's adults are overweight or obese. It is pertinent that we combat this crisis and commit to changes in our daily lives – such as eating right, exercising and managing stress – that promote health and wellness. This hike is the culmination of that vision and we're excited to partner and train with the team at Red Mountain, who are true ambassadors of healthy living."

The hiking team will be led by Dr. Peeke, advisor to the Surgeon General and national spokesperson for Exercise IS Medicine. Throughout the hike, Dr. Peeke will be podcasting and blogging for her WebMD lifestyle community, who will be following the hiking team on her WebMD Everyday Fitness with Dr. Pam Peeke blog and message board. Dr. Peeke coordinated Dr. Benjamin's training program with Red Mountain certified personal trainer, Gene Geary, who prepared an easy-to-follow, ten-week program comprised of cardiovascular, flexibility and strength training.

"We admire Dr. Benjamin's determination, as well as those joining her, to demonstrate that it doesn't take a super athlete to embark on a journey such as this one," said Geary. "Regular, everyday people can start living well, beginning today. We share in Dr. Benjamin's enthusiasm to challenge Americans to get up and move more. It is the greatest gift we can give ourselves, our families and our community."

Joining the Surgeon General and Dr. Peeke will be six of Dr. Peeke's women patients and Red Mountain enthusiasts, who've trained for six months for this extraordinary adventure. Everyone will arrive a few days prior to the hike at Red Mountain Resort & Spa, where they will partake in the resort's robust fitness and wellness programs, in addition to embarking on prep hikes on and near resort grounds, which offer scenic trails. On September 8, the group will descend from the North Rim (8,200 feet elevation) of the Grand Canyon and hike 14 miles (nearly 5,600 feet) to an overnight campsite at the famed Phantom Ranch. The following morning, the group will ascend 10 miles from an elevation of 2,480 feet to 6,800 feet at the South Rim. Upon completion, the group will celebrate their successful hike by experiencing post-hike relaxation and reflexology services courtesy of Red Mountain Resort & Spa's award-winning Sagestone Spa.

For a complete listing of seasonal activities, fitness classes, events and menus available this summer at Red Mountain Resort & Spa, guests can visit www.RedMountainSpa.com

Red Mountain Resort & Spa, nestled in the high desert red rock bluffs of Southwestern Utah and a picturesque two-hour drive from Las Vegas, is an extraordinary fitness and wellness destination. It features rejuvenating spa treatments, the most extensive hiking program in the Southwest and innovative programs for mind and body. Highlights include the Sagestone Spa & Salon offering more than 50 treatments and services, many including indigenous ingredients. Specializing in outdoor adventure fitness programs for all levels, Red Mountain Resort & Spa has been named one of the top spas by Condé Nast Traveler, Fodor’s, Allure Magazine, and Forbes.com; and one of the Top Detox Spas by USA Today. Red Mountain is located at 1275 E. Red Mountain Circle, St George, Utah 84738. For reservations call 435.673.4905, toll-free at 877.246.HIKE, or visit RedMountainSpa.com.